🔍

Childers

QLD 4660 • Rest of QLD

1,682
Population (2021)
$42,432
Median Household Income
18.97 km²
Area
$265/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalHistoricQuietAffordable

About Childers

Childers is a historic rural town in Queensland's North Burnett region, situated approximately 300 kilometres north of Brisbane and 55 kilometres south-west of Bundaberg within the Bundaberg Regional Council area. With a population of 1,682 and a median age of 50, the town has a mature demographic profile and a predominantly Australian-born community with strong English, Irish, and Scottish heritage. The area covers nearly 19 square kilometres at an elevation of 65 metres on the Isis Highway, with housing stock that reflects its agricultural roots — modest detached homes on generous blocks at very accessible price points.

Childers is a service centre for the surrounding agricultural district, which produces avocados, macadamias, and a range of other tropical and subtropical crops that attract seasonal workers. The town centre features a heritage streetscape along Churchill Street, with local shops, cafes, and the famous Palace Hotel — now a memorial to the 2000 hostel fire — adding historical depth to the community. Families are served by both government and Catholic primary and secondary schools, while the older population is supported by local health services, and community events create a warm small-town atmosphere.

Childers falls under postcode 4660 and is governed by Bundaberg Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Burnett electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4660
Urban Area
Bundaberg - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Bundaberg
Federal Electorate
Hinkler
State Electorate
Burnett
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-25.25°, 152.27°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
18.97 km²
Elevation
65m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$265
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,170
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
50 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound / Translink regional coaches — Bundaberg / Brisbane ~1 hr to Bundaberg, ~4 hrs to Brisbane

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
300 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
3 hrs 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hrs

🛣️ Car is essential for daily life; Bundaberg is the nearest regional city, accessible via the Isis Highway

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car, though the main street shops and services are accessible on foot for those living near the town centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    111-115 Churchill Street Childers 4660 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Bundaberg Local Government Area, which contains Childers. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
490 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
238.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 120.4%
Non-FV assault
670.3 / 100k
2yr Down 26.5% 10yr Up 64.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.3 / 100k
2yr Down 21.2% 10yr Stable
Steal from vehicle
364.3 / 100k
2yr Down 25.6% 10yr Up 14.8%
View all offence categories for Bundaberg →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,584
Census 2021
1,682
▲ 6.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$23,088
Personal Income 2021
$28,340
▲ 22.7% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$28,340 / yr
$545/wk
Household
$42,432 / yr
$816/wk
Family
$64,168 / yr
$1234/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,230
Born Overseas 269

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 57
  • 2. New Zealand 30
  • 3. Samoa 29
  • 4. Philippines 22
  • 5. Zimbabwe 9
  • 6. India 6
  • 7. Scotland 6
  • 8. France 5
  • 9. South Africa 5
  • 10. Germany 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 673
English 656
Irish 160
Scottish 150
German 138
Australian Aboriginal 81
Samoan 34
Italian 29
Filipino 22
Dutch 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,031
Both parents born in Australia
285
Both parents born overseas
168
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.0%
No Religion
35.7%
Buddhism
1.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
77 (4.6%)
5-14 years
156 (9.3%)
15-19 years
86 (5.1%)
20-24 years
86 (5.1%)
25-34 years
184 (10.9%)
35-44 years
143 (8.5%)
45-54 years
194 (11.5%)
55-64 years
235 (14.0%)
65-74 years
233 (13.9%)
75-84 years
207 (12.3%)
85+ years
67 (4.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Childers known for? +

Childers is known for its heritage streetscape, the surrounding agricultural district producing avocados and macadamias, and the Palace Hotel — a memorial to the tragic 2000 hostel fire that claimed 15 lives. It is also a hub for seasonal fruit-picking workers.

How far is Childers from Brisbane CBD? +

Childers is approximately 300 kilometres north of Brisbane, making it a drive of around 3 to 3.5 hours via the Bruce Highway. Bundaberg, the nearest regional city, is about 55 kilometres to the north.

Does Childers have public transport? +

Childers has no local rail service. Regional coach services including Greyhound connect the town to Bundaberg and Brisbane, but a car is the most practical way to get around the town and surrounding district.

What is the population of Childers? +

According to the 2021 Census, Childers has a population of 1,682. The community has a median age of 50, reflecting an older demographic skewed by agricultural workers and long-term residents.

Is Childers a good place to live? +

Childers suits those drawn to a quiet rural lifestyle, affordable housing, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Its heritage charm, surrounding farmland, and proximity to Bundaberg make it appealing for retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life away from the city.

What is the postcode for Childers? +

The postcode for Childers, QLD is 4660.

What is the average income in Childers? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Childers is about $545 per week (around $28,300 per year). The median household income is $816 per week and the median family income is $1,234 per week.

What is the age profile of Childers? +

The median age in Childers is 50. The largest age group is 55–64 (235 residents, around 14%). Around 19% of residents are under 20 and about 30% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Childers a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Childers is part of the Bundaberg LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Childers? +

In Childers, the median weekly rent is $265, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,170 (2021 Census).